The Southern Illinois University Edwardsville School of Dental Medicine (SDM) is placing special emphasis on community outreach to a young audience throughout February for National Children’s Dental Health Month.

The SDM has invited elementary students from area schools to campus to learn about oral health from third year dental students.

“This is a practical application of what we learn in class — oral health,” said Dr. Poonam Jain, professor and director of community dentistry at the SIU SDM. “Our role as dentists extends way beyond the patients who step through the door to our dental practices. We have to train these dentists how to educate their communities and educate children who are the future.”

The elementary students participate in interactive activities. They learn about healthy snacks and unhealthy drinks, best practices for brushing and flossing and oral systemic connections.

“They’re like little sponges, so whatever we tell them, they’ll soak it in and ask questions,” said Sara Frerichs, third year dental student. “It’s extremely important to share these messages early so we can make a good first impression.”

Fourth year dental students perform routine exams on the children, some of whom have never been in a dentist’s chair before.

“We can be the frontline to catch something that may be bothering them, like a toothache,” said Katherine Boente, fourth year dental student. “We check their lymph nodes, soft tissues and then see if they have any cavities or urgent needs.”

“At a young age, oral health starts to impact other areas of these kids’ lives, so if we can inculcate a desire in them to maintain good oral hygiene, that will provide many benefits to them as they age,” added fourth year dental student Peter Girgis.”

Community education and service are integral components of the education provided at the SIU SDM. Along with mastering sound clinical skills, students learn the significance of patient-centered dental care and the impact of oral health education.